A Reading Daydreamer

REVIEW: Choker by Elizabeth Woods

2012-03-08T21:43:00.000Z

Name: Choker

Author: Elizabeth Woods

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Date published: 1st March 2012

Number of pages: 233
Source: Chicklish
Rating: 4.5 stars

Cara has always felt like an outsider, and since she moved away from her best and only friend, Zoe, she feels more alone than ever. Cara spends her time avoiding the popular girls who call her ‘choker’ following a humiliating lunchroom incident, and wishing that gorgeous Ethan Gray would finally notice her. Then one day, Cara comes home and finds Zoe waiting for her. With her best friend back, Cara’s life changes overnight, and with a new look and new found confidence, her popularity soars.
But when a girl goes missing and everyone comes under suspicion, Cara’s new life starts to unravel. Worse still, Zoe is behaving very strangely, and Cara begins to wonder exactly what her friend does all day while she’s at school. You’re supposed to trust your best friend no matter what, but what if she turns into a total stranger?

Cara is a loner and is always taunted by the popular girls in school. Following a particularly embarrassing accident in the canteen, she is dubbed ‘Choker.’ The ‘queen bee’ Alexis and her friends are intent on causing Cara unnecessary grief, pushing her to the limits. Unhappiness builds up within Cara but when her childhood friend Zoe returns, she feels like everything will be okay. Zoe radiates confidence and this seems to influence Cara, boosting her social status. The hot guy Ethan Gray even seems to show an interest in her. However after a series of very serious events, Cara questions her friend’s motives and wonders whether Zoe is what she seems…

The storyline of this book really kept me turning the pages, despite the start which was a bit too slow for me. Once you get into it, it becomes a very gripping read which leaves your heart beating rapidly. I guessed how it would turn out quite early on in the book though some parts made me question my assumptions, however in the end, I was right. Despite this, I still felt thoroughly shocked and slightly freaked out by some of the events in the book.

I must admit that it was difficult to warm to Cara. She is a very detached figure and Elizabeth Woods does not directly reveal what she is feeling, leaving the reader guessing restlessly. Her vulnerability and fragility was portrayed perfectly: at times, I felt great pity for her and I just wanted to reach out and hug her. Another character who was equally worthy of a hug was Ethan. I gathered that he was good-looking from the descriptions but the one thing that made my heart melt was that he would openly cry! I’m a sucker for males who aren’t afraid to express their innermost feelings. His relationship with Cara was quite surreal: is it possible for a guy to see you in a new light that quickly? But he was so sweet and nice that I soon forgot about that. However, I HATED Zoe, I have never read about such a manipulative, controlling character! She just infuriated me so badly! I hated how she constantly tried to make Cara guilty and - I can’t even articulate my loathing for her…

One aspect of the book that I wouldn’t normally like in another is the third-person narrative. Usually, I strongly dislike third-person: it doesn’t allow me to feel what the characters are feeling, I can’t put myself in their position, I can’t delve into their innermost thoughts and uncover their secrets… But it worked rather well in Choker. It added to the sense of mystery and didn’t allow you to get too close to Cara so that you’re always left asked guessing and out in the cold.

Overall, this book really creeped me out. It wasn’t scary in a bloody and gory way, but it played tricks on my mind and even days after reading it, I’m still a bit confused. The ending disappointed me a little because my questions weren’t answered and I felt it was a little rushed. Although I guessed how it would turn out, it still shocked me and left me sitting at the edge of my seat. It is a very chilling, gripping read that is different from any other book that I have read. I would recommend it to older teenagers who are looking for a unique book to enjoy. 4.5 stars, simply because I wanted a better conclusion to it that answered my questions.

Sorry I haven't posted up any reviews lately, hope this makes up for it :)

Happy reading,
Beverley x

Book Blogger Month Guest Post: Books that Keep You Turning the Pages by Beth

2012-03-06T21:55:00.000Z

Hi! Thank you so much Beverley for having me on A Reading Daydreamer!! I love LOVE this blog! My names Beth and I'm from teenage book blog Page-turner. I started Page-turner in July 2011, but I started day to day blogging around September :-) I love books (x100000!) blogging, reading, writing....anything bookish! I also love watching TV and going on the computer. :) Today I'm going to guest post about a few books that I loved and “kept me turning the pages!” I hope you enjoy the post!..

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I love LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE The Hunger Games! The Hunger games are set in a dark vision of the near future were “The Capitol”, to make sure there are no up-risings, force one girl and one boy from each (12) participate in a deadly game called “The Hunger Games” were the 24 contestants have to fight to the death in an arena. The last person standing (alive..) wins.

Yes. I it gave me nightmares.

Page-turneromiter: 10/10!

:-)

Torn by Cat Clarke

This was such a sad book,...that I loved! Torn is about a teenager called Alice who goes on a trip with her whole class. She is in a room with her best friend, Rae the moody-emo, Polly the social out-cast and Tara, the queen of mean, who is the most popular girl in school. I don't want to reveal much...but this defiantly kept me turning the pages!!!

Page-turneromiter: 9.5/10

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler

I don't think this book had any jaw-dropping surprises, but it was a really addictive, page turner-ish read! I also loved the awesome story line. :) The Future of Us is about two teenagers, Emma and Josh set in 1996. Only half the students in there school had ever used the internet, and Facebook had not been invented it. However Emma and Josh discover Facebook (8 years before it was invented) and can see themselves, 15 years in the future.....

Page-turneromiter: 8.5/10

Fracture by Megan Miranda

Ahh! I had been wanting to read this book for ages, and when I did, it completely lived up to my expectations! It was a chilling, scary, absolute page turner! Fracture is about teenager, Delaney who falls into the icy waters of a Maine Lake by her friend, by then her heart has stopped beating. But then somehow, Delaney wakes up, completely fine....... or is she?

Page-turneromiter: 9.5/10

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

I loved loved LOVED this book. I literally couldn't put it down! Thirteen Reasons Why is told from the view point of Clay Jenson, a teenage boy who was a friend of Hannah Baker, his fellow class mate who had committed suicide. I don't think I'll ever forget this book, and when people ask me for recommendations, this is at the top of my list!

Page-turneromiter: 10/10

Virals by Kathy Reichs

This book was amazing!! When I first picked it up in the bookshop, I thought this would be a sci-fi novel that would be hard to understand and I was considering not getting it.....that would have been one of the biggest regrets! :) Virals is about 4 teenagers; Tory, Hi, Shelton and Ben. After rescuing a diseased dog from an experiment chamber, something happens to them that will change there lives forever....

This was such an awesome book!

Page-turneromiter: 9.5/10

Thank you so much Beverley for letting me on her amazing blog!!

Happy reading!,

Beth x

***

Thanks to Beth for such a wonderful guest post! I am so happy to have been able to invite Beth to A Reading Daydreamer again (you might remember the interview she did, click HERE to read it!) as she runs an amazing blog! Feel free to leave some comments... Have you read these books? What did you think of them? I am currently reading Torn and it really does keep me turning the pages and The Future of Us is sitting in the pile on my floor, waiting for its turn to be read! But the other books look just as good, I feel the need to visit the bookshop...

Book Blogger Month: Interview with Caitlin!

2012-03-04T14:08:00.003Z

Today, I am extremely excited to welcome Caitlin from The Cait Files! Even though she's only been blogging for a year, The Cait Files is A-MAZING and her reviews have already been quoted in TWO books!!! Be sure to check out her wonderful blog after reading this interview and don't forget to enter her blogoversary giveaway!

Hi Caitlin. Welcome to A Reading Daydreamer!

Hi Beverley!! Thank you for having me =]

What inspired you to start your own book blog?

Well I’d been following book bloggers for a while on twitter and enjoyed reading their blogs but I always thought no one would ever want to read what I had to say! Then I read Cassie Clare’s books and…wow! I just HAD to talk about them. So I bit the bullet, posted my review of City of Bones and went from there!

What are the best things about book blogging?

I really enjoy meeting new people to talk to about books, but also the recommendations. My reading habits had become a bit stale and I really enjoy finding out about books I never would’ve heard about otherwise.

You’ve only been blogging for a year but The Cait Files is already fantastic with loads of followers, what do you think is the key to a successful blog?

Wow thanks, it’s really nice of you to say so!! I think the main thing is to enjoy it, I reckon people can tell if blogging has become a chore for you. I also cannot emphasise the importance of networking enough. Take part in blog hops, visit as many people as you can, visit everyone who visits you, chat to people! THAT’s the way to build up a successful blog.

What do you have in store for 2012 for readers of your blog?

Well I’m going to continue with my new feature of discussion posts which I have imaginatively titled ‘Caitlin Considers’ ;). I’m really excited about these because I LOVE reading discussions on other blogs! I’ll obviously also be continuing with my reviews. I’ve cut down on the memes I participate in as I plan to use the extra time for visiting other blogs =] I’m also in the middle of planning a big summer event…watch this space :P

Which books are you eagerly anticipating in the coming year?

Insurgent by Veronica Roth is a MASSIVE one for me. I loved Divergent and I can’t wait to find out what happens to Tris and Four.

The Golden Lilly by Richelle Mead, the sequel to Bloodlines is another I cannot wait to read. I LOVED Vampire Academy so I’m really enjoying the spin-offs.

I also cannot wait for Onyx, the sequel to Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I just finished Obsidian and it is AMAZING so I am chomping at the bit for Onyx’s release in August.

I could go on forever about books coming out this year that I want to read, but I will restrain myself XD

Who are your favourite authors and what genres do you enjoy reading?

Cassie Clare is one of my favourite authors, I love both her TMI and TID series. I also have massive love for Sarah Rees Brennan and her Demon’s Lexicon trilogy. They’re set in England too! Other favourites are: Richelle Mead, Lili St. Crow, Maggie Stiefvater and Holly Black.

Urban Fantasy is my absolute favourite genre to read! Saying that, I will read pretty much anything. I adore dystopian at the moment and I’m getting back into reading more contemporary. I’m tending to shy away from stereotypical paranormal romance at the moment, in favour of stuff a bit fresher.

If the prime minister decided that all books should be banned apart from one, which book do you think deserves to stay in the UK?

Haha well, I’d love to make a big ironic statement and say Nineteen Eighty-Four…but I’d probably pick Harry Potter. Those books are a phenomenon and they’ve inspired generations of readers.

If you had the chance to go on holiday with a fictional character, who would you choose and where would you go?

Hahahaaaaa…I’d probably pick Damon Salvatore and it really wouldn’t matter where we went ;) but I shall say New York because I’ve always wanted to go!

If you ever wrote a book someday, what do you think it would be about?

I’d definitely write a vampire novel. I know they’re a bit out of fashion again now, but they always come back (they are immortal afterall) and they are my ultimate love. It would be less paranormal romance-y and more urban fantasy/thriller based though! And definitely set in North West England where I live!

And finally do you like to daydream?

Absolutely! One of my favourite pastimes ;)

QUICK-FIRE QUESTIONS

Facebook or Twitter: Twitter

Book or e-book: Book

Romance or adventure: Adventure….with some romance :P

Early bird or night owl: Oh Night owl for sure.

Reading or writing: Reading

Coffee or hot chocolate: Neither…I don’t drink any hot drinks except Hot Vimto and Lemon Tea!!

Thanks Caitlin!

Thank you for such entertaining questions! I’ve really enjoyed answering them =]

***

Thank you again to Caitlin for her brilliant answers! Now hurry up and visit The Cait Files, you won't regret it ;)

Happy reading,

Beverley x

*Hurries off to try hot Vimto*

Book Blogger Month: Music Guest Post by Ria

2012-03-03T13:20:00.003Z

Hi, I'm Ria (: I'm a 14 year old with a passion for reading, clothes, photography and writing. I love book blogging (http://thebeaucoupreview.blogspot.com/) and have been doing so for about 2 years. Thanks to Beverley for having me on her awesome blog!

Recently, I read a guest post over at The Mile Long Bookshelf on music the author listened to whilst writing. This got me thinking about the kind of music I listen to when reading, so I thought I'd write a post on it. Here's some examples of the music I listen to when reading, writing stories, writing reviews etc:

Taylor Swift:

-Best Day

-White horse

-Stay Beautiful

-Mean

-Enchanted

-Ours

One Direction:

-One Thing

-More Than This

-Torn [cover]

-Taken

-I Wish

[click on the text to go to a Youtube video]

Lana Del Rey:
-Born To Die
-Video Games
-Blue Jeans
-Kill, Kill

Other:
Shake It Out - Florence + The Machine
We Found Love - Rihanna
Busy - Olly Murs
Princess of China - Coldplay
Viva La Vida - Coldplay
Hurts Like Heaven - Coldplay
People Help The People - Birdy

I know a lot of people can find it distracting listening to music when they're working/reading/writing, but I find it hard to do those things without it. Though sometimes, if a book is boring, I find myself concentrating more on the music and lyrics than the book...

What about you? Do you like listening to music when working/reading/writing?

Thanks so much to Beverley for having me on her wonderful blog!

***

Thank you Ria for this great guest post! And if you haven't already visited The Beaucoup Review, get over there now!

Feel free to comment with your thoughts...

Book Blogger Month: Q&A with Luisa Plaja

2012-03-02T18:39:00.000Z

To start off Book Blogger Month, the lovely Luisa Plaja has answered some questions about Chicklish, reading and blogging. Luisa is such a wonderful author and I would like to take this chance to thank her for... EVERYTHING! Thank you for showing me how much fun reviewing is by letting me join Chicklish; thank you for helping me realise my passion for reading again; thank you for sending me books to review for Chicklish and A Reading Daydreamer; thank you for being so encouraging when I said I wanted to start a book blog; thank you for being my first follower, for commenting on nearly all of my posts and for supporting me right from the start... I really appreciate everything you do!

Sorry about the long thank-yous! If you are still reading, please sit back and enjoy the wonderful answers Luisa has given us!

Hi Luisa, welcome to A Reading Daydreamer!

Hi Beverley, thank you for having me here!

Why did you decide to start a blog that focussed on reviews for teenage and YA novels?

I wanted to talk about the novels I most love reading! Chicklish was co-founded by me and other avid readers of books for teenagers, one of whom is Keris Stainton (author of Della Says OMG! and Jessie Hearts NYC). We started the blog before either of us had novels published. Keris and I were talking one day about a publishing professional who said that YA/teen fiction would probably never be as big in the UK as it was becoming in the States. We asked each other, "But why not?", and we decided to try to do something about it by telling other readers about great British teen fiction.

How did you come up with the name Chicklish?

Keris and I brainstormed together by email. The blog originally focused on 'teen chick lit', which is a term that's sometimes used for YA comedy romance and coming-of-age fiction aimed at girls. We wanted the title to be 'something like chick lit'... but not. We also wanted it to be original and sound like fun.

For anyone who is yet to discover the amazing-ness of Chicklish, how would you describe it?

Oh, thank you! Chicklish is a blog that's regularly updated with book-related contributions from readers, including young people and adult fans of teen/YA fiction. We feature book news, reviews and author interviews, and the main focus is on fiction aimed at teenagers. Chicklish was founded in 2006 and it's run by me, Luisa Plaja, with help from Alexandra Fouracres and hosting and help from Keris Stainton.

You are also the author of several successful novels, how do you balance your reading, reviewing and writing time?

It can be tricky! Well, the reading part isn't - I'm a huge fan of teen fiction and I really enjoy reading as much as I possibly can. The reviewing is much harder. I always have a large backlog of reviews to write, and I'm really grateful for the fantastic help I get from other readers with keeping the site alive. Lately, I've tried to set aside a few hours a week for writing reviews, and the rest of the time I focus on writing my own books.

Are there any books you are looking forward to read in 2012?

Too many to list! And just when I think I have my reading pile under control, publishers bring out more fabulous books! Not that I'd have it any other way...

What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting their own book blog?

Definitely do it! If you want to test the waters by reviewing at Chicklish first, you'd be very welcome - quite a few teen book bloggers have started out this way. Just write to me and I'll try to find a book that suits your reading tastes. Other than that, have a look at some other book blogs and take the plunge! I have written some general book-blogging advice on the Booktrust site, so you could check that out, too. http://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/teenagers/writing-tips/tips-for-starting-a-book-blog/

What do you think about the book blogging community?

I love it - it's friendly, supportive and wonderful!

Thank you Luisa!

Thank YOU!

Thanks again to Luisa! So that's the first post for Book Blogger Month, come again to see more great posts and interviews...

Book Blogger Month Launch!

2012-03-01T20:38:00.000Z

Happy World Book Day! Hope you guys had a brilliant day filled with books, books and more books! What are you planning on spending your £1 book tokens on? All the special WBD books seem to be aimed at younger children so I might just use it to get some money off another book I fancy.

And March is going to be an exciting… I’m happy to announce the launch of Book Blogger Month!!!!! I have interviews with other book bloggers and wonderful guest posts written by equally wonderful bloggers lined up for you all throughout this month! Hopefully you will enjoy reading them and finding out more about some of my favourite bloggers! They are all very friendly people and I must take this chance to thank them for agreeing to take part (despite the short notice and unorganised-ness!)

Feel free to display the Book Blogger Month button on your blogs (it’s to your left on the sidebar!) and come back tomorrow for a Q&A with Luisa Plaja!

Oh, and before I go I would like to say thank you to all of you who are following me! I never thought that I would reach 50+ followers so there might be a small giveaway soon... watch this space :)

COMING SOON: The Look Blog Tour

2012-02-27T15:52:00.004Z

Hiya, just thought I'd do a quick post to let you all know that Sophia Bennett will be stopping by on Sunday 11th March for an interview (with a twist!) as part of the blog tour for her AMAZING new book, The Look (click HERE to read my review)! So remember to come by to read Sophia's wonderful answers and hopefully find out more about this lovely author! Hope to see you there x

Introducing Alfie the Sniffer Pup!

2012-02-25T17:31:00.000Z

I'm back, sorry for abandoning you all! Exams and revision have taken up most of my time for the past few weeks and I still have my Listening and Practical exams for Music to go, then I will be free to post as much as I like to make up for my absence! So...

Today I would like to introduce you to Alfie, A Reading Daydreamer's newly recruited sniffer dog! At the end/start of each month, Alfie will be 'sniffing' out upcoming book releases and any news that's related to teen or YA fiction!

Why Alfie the Sniffer Pup?

This is probably what you're thinking right now! I am a BIG animal lover (if you've read my About page, you'll know that I want to be a vet!) and I love my chihuahua Alfie to bits, so I thought it would be great to involve him on A Reading Daydreamer and for all my blogging friends to 'meet' him! But how could I include my little dog on a blog which focuses on books? Then I realised that a lot of blogs were doing posts about new book releases and things related to reading and I wanted to join in with all the fun. *Eureka!!!!* It suddenly came to my mind that I could mix Alfie in with the monthly posts! So that is how Alfie the Sniffer Pup was formed (the name of this new feature is pretty self-explanatory so I'm not bothering to explain it, it just popped into my head!)

The first Alfie the Sniffer Pup post will be up at the end of March/beginning of April so keep any eye out for it!

Please comment to let me know whether you like this new feature and if you would like me to continue with it. What are your thoughts? Are there other things you would like to see in this feature other than book releases? Do you like my dog? (You either love chihuahuas or you hate them, if you don't like him, though I respect your opinion, do not write anything rude or nasty: they will be deleted)

Happy reading and daydreaming,

Feature and Follow Friday #1

2012-02-17T13:59:00.001Z

This is a meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. It's where you meet other book bloggers and share the follower love. A question is also asked every week. Please Follow me by GFC!

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

(Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
(Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers
Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say "hi" in your comments and that they are now following you.
If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn't have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI"
If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
If you're new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Q: I like unique names for characters and am looking forward to coming up with some when I start writing. What's the most unique character name you've come across?

Renesmee from Breaking Dawn, it's really unique but beautiful at the same time! I love it, what character name do you think is most unique?

REVIEW: The Look by Sophia Bennett

2012-02-13T13:02:00.000Z

Name: The Look

Author: Sophia Bennett

Publisher: Chicken House

Date published: 1st March 2012

Number of pages: 328

Source: Chicklish

Rating: 5 stars

Ted is tall. Freaky. When she’s spotted by a model agency, she can’t believe it. At the same time, her gorgeous sister falls seriously ill. With her world turned upside down, Ted must choose between fame and family. Can she be a supermodel and a super sister? All in five-inch heels?

Ted Trout cannot believe it when someone from a model agency sees her on the streets and tells her she has potential to become a model. What is so special abut her? It certainly can’t be her frizzy, ‘bird’s nest hair’. And what about the beautiful sister standing next to her? Confused, she forgets about it until the family discover something shocking: her sister Ava has lymphoma. Through Ava’s encouragement, Ted agrees to try modelling out. The Look goes on to follow Ted’s new, glamorous career and how a family copes with heartbreak. Will Ted remain faithful to her family or will she choose fame and riches?

I jumped at the chance to read this before its release date and I was so EXCITED to have one in my hands! After the success of the Threads trilogy, I knew that The Look wouldn’t disappoint and I really hoped that it would live up to my expectations. But WOW, it goes beyond my expectations. Sophia Bennett is back and better than ever; this has to be her BEST book yet!

The characters are so believable and I instantly warmed to Ted and Ava. Ted is just like any other fifteen-year-old: stumbling through adolescence and life in general. By the end of the book, I have so much admiration for her because she is strong and brave and doesn’t allow people to force her into doing things she doesn’t want to do. Modelling seems to change Ted as a person, it boosts her confidence and shapes her as a unique individual. Her maturity grows throughout the novel and she becomes like the older sister to Ava, supporting her through everything and caring for her after her cancer treatment. Ava is also a very likeable character: she fights against a deadly illness while trying to keep everyone happy. Despite her bubbly attitude, it was still possible to feel the fragility in the family and the fear that they could lose her to cancer.

The storyline is fabulous, told through Ted’s witty narration which makes the book much more interesting, I laughed out loud in several parts. The novel is quite surreal in some cases because I couldn’t possibly imagine being a model but Sophia describes everything so perfectly that you can certainly imagine it all. There aren’t any particular twists or turns in the plot because most of the turning points come from the actions of the characters but that doesn’t make it less enjoyable.

I LOVED The Look and I would encourage all teenage girls to get it when it comes out. I think it is perfect for Sophia’s older teenage fans (like me!) and is a wonderful step-up from the Threads books. Sophia Bennett has once again conjured up a beautifully glamorous masterpiece, full of dreams, hopes and heartbreak. And yes, it does live up to the bright pink page edges!

Happy Reading and Daydreaming,

REVIEW: Brave New Girl by Catherine Johnson

2012-02-12T15:19:00.000Z

Name: Brave New Girl

Author: Catherine Johnson

Publisher: Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Date published: 3rd Nov 2011

Number of pages: 191

Source: Luisa Plaja

Rating: 3.5 stars

"I can make things happen - good things - I know it!" Seren is so full of brilliant ideas - it's just that she always seems to put her foot in it! First there was the dance routine where she fell off the stage. And now her plan to get her sister Sasha noticed by gorgeous Luke Beckford looks like it could backfire… Seren reckons she's just hopelessly accident-prone! But there's one person who believes in Seren. Her mate Keith is making a film for a national competition and he wants Seren to be in it. Could Seren turn out to be a star after all? This is a funny, big-hearted story with a lovable heroine who will make you laugh and cry.

I was quite hesitant to start reading Brave New Girl mainly because it's aimed at younger children. But when I started it, I found myself actually enjoying it.

Seren is a wonderful character who tries to make everything good for everyone but in doing so, she makes things worse. She is kind and bubbly and desperate for everyone to see that she's just trying to help. I felt quite sorry for her at times but I did laugh at some of the things she does! She has the qualities where you just want to hug her and tell her that everything's okay. And her best friend Keith is such a geeky, lovely person that I really warmed to him as well. He sees Seren and her big-heartedness and stands by her as a true friend.

Apart from believable characters, the setting is perfect for this year. It is set before the London Olympics and is a kind of sub-plot because it is intertwined throughout the novel and many of the characters are involved in it in some way. It was a great read to get me in the sporting spirit!

Overall, I did enjoy this book but I would have loved it much more if I had read it as a younger child. There are a few flaws here and there but I think that is only due to the fact that it is for a younger audience, and I loved the mention of White Rabbit Chinese sweets (they are so yummy!). Brave New Girl is a beautifully warm, hilarious book filled with family love, friendship and the Olympics! It would be perfect for little sisters or as a light read for yourself as I'm sure older teenagers would like it as well!

Happy reading!

Interview with blogger, Beth!

2012-02-11T23:24:00.001Z

I feel so happy to be able to interview blogger Beth who runs Page-Turner! Page-Turner is one of my favourite book blogs and it's really amazing with a lot of good content, so if you haven't checked it out, go and do so once you've read the interview! Over to Beth...

Welcome to A Reading Daydreamer! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your blog?
Hi! My name's Beth and I started blogging in 2011. :-) On Page-turner I love to review books, post LOTS of book news and I also LOVE doing interviews with bloggers and authors! Throughout the time Page-turner has been set up, I've gotten to know some awesome authors and made some brilliant cyberspace blogger friends! :-) Who all helped me set up Page-turner :-)

Why did you start Page Turner?

I set-up Page-turner because.....I don't think my parents could physically listen to me talking about books anymore!!- Zoe Crook, the blogger at teenage book blog BOOKHI got in
contact with me via an author, after I had contacted the author. Me and her then became "e-mail pals." ;-) Soon, I discovered her book blog, BOOKHI. I absolutely LOVED the idea of blogging, and so with loads of inspiration from her, I set up Page-turner! I set up a book blog because I absolutely LOVE reading and reviewing books, I had kept a book review journal but I wanted to do more, and so book blogging was also perfect for that :-)

What is the best and worst thing about blogging?
I LOVE blogging!!! I really don't know were I'd be without Page-turner!-Its hard to choose my favourite thing because I love absolutely everything (!!) but probably its when I get a really nice comment on a post, it means so much!! I think the worst thing is probably when I didn't enjoy a book I review on Page-turner, I try not to write to negative reviews but I want to be honest, and so sometimes that's hard.

What is your favourite weekly meme?
Mmmm....there's SO many to choose from! ;-) But probably In My Mailbox :-) I don't take part in many weekly meme's, but I love IMM, I try and do it once a week but sometimes I forget and do it every other week. Its such a good idea, how did the blogger come up with it?! :-)

How long have you been blogging for?
I set up Page-turner in 2011 and my first post was on July 25th (2011) but I didn't start day-to-day blogging until September 2011 really.

What ambitions do you have for your blog in 2012?
To put loads of effort into my posts, and make them better! I am so grateful to every single one of my readers, and I hope in 2012 Page-turner will grow even more!

Who are your favourite authors and what books do your particularly like?
(*Get comfy!*)- My favourite authors are Suzanne Collins, Luisa Plaja, Ally Carter, Sophie McKenzie, Gemma Malley, Ruta Sepetys, Jacyln Moriarty and sooooo many more! The Hunger Games series were FANTASTIC, :-), I also loved Cold Hands, Warm Hearts by Jil Wolfson and The Truth about Celia Frost by Paula Rawsthorne, I JUST LOVE SO MANY!

Do you think you are like any fictional characters?
I think I am a mixture of maybe Alice from Torn, Lauren from Girl, Missing and a little bit of Ginger from Gingersnaps by Cathy Cassidy. :-)

If you ever wrote a book someday, what do you think it will be about?
I think I would write a dystopian book with romance and thriller mixed in (my 3 favourite genres!)-I also want to write a book told in switch-over narratives, I love books written like
that :-)

And finally, do you like to daydream?
YES!!! :-), Who doesn't LOVE to daydream?! ;-) I spend half the time in school getting told off for apparently "not listening"........ ;-)

Quick-fire questions

Book or e-book: Book
Computer or TV: Computer
Sophie McKenzie or Sophia Bennett: Sophie McKenzie
Early bird or night owl: Night Owl! ;-)
English or Science: ENGLISH!!
Reading or writing: Mmmm,...I absolutely LOVE them both, but it will probably have to be reading ;-)

Thank you, Beth!
Thanks so much Beverley for the interview!!!

Thanks again to Beth for letting me interview her. Now hurry up and visit Page-Turner!

Just to let you all know, I will be quite quiet on the blogging front until the end of this month because I have my prelim exams :-(. I will still be reading but I won't have much time to post up reviews during this time. I will be back by the start of March with a new feature for A Reading Daydreamer so don't worry, I'm not abandoning the blog. I'll make it up to you by posting lots in March!

Wish me luck and happy reading!

In My Mailbox #4

2012-02-10T12:59:00.001Z

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme created by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's the place for me to talk about the fabulous books I have received each week.

So happy when a little package dropped through the letterbox for me!

Torn by Cat Clarke: Can't wait to start this! I've heard lots of good things about this book and have wanted to read it since it first came out, I love how it looks so mysterious and full of adventure ! Thank you to Charlotte from Red House for sending me this!

What did you get in your mailbox this week?

Beverley x

Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale Blog Tour: INTERVIEW

2012-02-04T10:55:00.001Z

I was delighted when Katie Dale invited A Reading Daydreamer to take part in her blog tour! Katie is the wonderful author of a fantastic debut novel, Someone Else's Life which came out on Thursday. I hope you enjoy reading this interview and find out more about this talented new author. It is with pleasure I hand over to Katie!

Welcome to A Reading Daydreamer! Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi! Thank you so much for having me! I am an actress and a writer and I currently live in Cambridge. I write both for children (Fairy Tale Twists for 5+) and young adults (Someone Else’s Life) and my first books are being published this year!

When did you decide that you wanted to become an author?

My mum, Elizabeth Dale is a children’s book author so I’ve loved reading and writing my whole life, but I initially followed my dream of being an actress, and went to drama school and performed in Shakespeare tours and feature films. Then in 2008 my writing career really took off when I was selected as a winner of Undiscovered Voices, a competition run by the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). One of the judges was an editor at Orchard Books and she gave me my first publishing contract – for eight books!

What inspired you to write Someone Else’s Life and how did you come up with such an intriguing storyline?

I heard a story on the news about two babies that were swapped at birth and for some reason it really stuck with me. How would I feel if that happened to me? Would it change how I felt about my parents? How would it affect my life? What would I do? After that it was the book I just had to write.

How did you feel when you found out that Someone Else’s Life was going to be published?

It was the most amazing feeling in the world. I’d worked on it for years, and once I got an agent and worked on it some more I had hopes that it would be published, but there’s was always a part of me that feared no-one would want it after all, worried that I’d just been fooling myself all that time.

To then discover a publisher wanted to publish it – not just in the UK, but in America and Canada and Germany and

Brazil

as well – it’s just a complete dream come true.

What challenges did you overcome to see your writing in print and can you tell us about the publishing process?

It’s LONG! I got my offer of publication in April 2010 and the book’s only just been published – on February 2^nd 2012! In that time a lot happens – mainly editing! For my first rewrite I received EIGHTY pages of editing notes! Whilst that was quite daunting, I’m so grateful to my editors for being so attentive and diligent as it’s made the book so much better.

Then there are lots more edits, decisions about titles and covers designs, then websites and twitter, then finally – publication!!

What ambitions do you have for your writing career?

I’d love to keep writing YA novels, and children’s books, but I’d also love to write picture books too, and I’m very interested in writing for stage and screen – it would be a dream to write a film – and maybe act in it too!

Are you planning or writing any stories for your newly-found fans to read in the future?

Yes, I’ve nearly finished my second YA novel, this time more of a thriller. Here’s the blurb:

Tall, dark, and handsome, the first time Sasha meets mysterious Christian she knows he is The One. But Christian is hiding a terrible secret. Why does he clam up every time Sasha asks about his past? Why does he have the initials L.N. engraved on his watch? Why doesn’t he have any family – and why does he dye his blond hair black?

Then when Christian’s house goes up in flames, his tyres are slashed, and he flees for his life, Sasha insists on going with him.

But as Christian’s secret is unveiled in front of the whole world, it seems everything he’s ever told Sasha is a lie. Even his name. Her loyalties torn, her emotions in tatters, Sasha must decide whether to stand by the man she loves, or turn him over to his pursuers. Can what they’re saying about him really be true? Should she trust him? Or is she in terrible danger…?

But Christian isn’t the only one keeping secrets.

For what if their accidental meeting was no accident at all…

Are there any authors who you hope to be like?

I am a huge fan of Jodi Picoult – I love all her books and the way she uses characters, point of view and personal situations to let you see all the different sides of a controversial issue.

It makes you realize you really can’t judge someone till you’ve been in their shoes.

Can you share any tips or advice for our budding writers?

Read as much as you can.

Write often – it’s like anything, the more you do it, the better you get.

Enter competitions! They can open doors that often remain closed to unpublished authors.

And finally, do you like to read and daydream?

All the time! I love losing myself in other worlds and other lives – I think it’s kind of magical.

Quick-fire questions

Dogs or cats: Dogs (but I love cats too)

Coffee or hot chocolate: Hot Chocolate – with cream and chocolate flakes J

Mac or PC: PC – I’ve never tried a Mac

Andy or Josh: Andy

Early bird or night owl: Definitely a night owl – I do not like early mornings!

Book or e-book: Book

Britain

or America:

Britain

, but I love the diversity of the States.

Acting or writing: Both!

Thanks Katie!

Thanks for having me!

Twitter: @katiedaleuk

Read the 1st chapter on Katie's website: http://katiedaleuk.blogspot.com

Read my review of Someone Else's Life HERE

Thanks again to Katie for inviting me to take part in her first ever blog tour and answering all my questions! Be sure to read Someone Else's Life, it's now one of my favourite books! (Check out the book trailer below!)

I am happy to announce that A Reading Daydreamer has now been running for exactly one month. Thank you to all my followers and everyone who reads this blog, I appreciate every one of you!

Happy reading,

Beverley x

Someone Else's Life Book Trailer

2012-02-04T10:38:00.000Z

This is Katie Dale's book trailer for Someone Else's Life! The interview will be posted soon so look out for that...

In My Mailbox #3

2012-02-03T19:14:00.000Z

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme created by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's the place for me to talk about the fabulous books I have received each week.

These were kindly sent to me from Luisa for Chicklish review:

Choker by Elizabeth Woods: This book seems like a mysterious thriller and I'm so excited to read it! It's not my 'type' of book (yeah, I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat!) but one of my aims for starting this blog was to try and discover books that I wouldn't normally read. Who knows, I might love it after all!

The Look by Sophia Bennett: OMG, OMG, OMG!!!!! Can you feel my happiness, my joy?! I am OVER THE MOON to have received this book! I thought I'd have to wait until March to get my hands on it but thanks to Luisa, I don't have to wait! Whoopeee!!!! Sophia Bennett is one of my favourite authors, and after the success of the Threads trilogy, I am sure The Look won't disappoint!!!! Look out for the review on Chicklish and A Reading Daydreamer! (Please kindly excuse my overuse of exclamation marks but it perfectly conveys my happiness)

Check out the side, it's a wonderfully pink colour (but it looks purple-y here, blame my camera!) and I also got a cute little postcard which is now used a bookmark!

And I also took this out from the school library:

The Truth About Celia Frost by Paula Rawsthorne: I've read many good reviews of this and I can't wait to start it. It is a debut novel and I've recently discovered many fabulous debuts so I have high hopes for this! Look out for the review!

Many thanks again to Luisa for sending me two fab looking books!

I've just noticed that all three books have a close-up of a girl on the cover, what a coincidence, huh?

Happy reading,

Beverley x

P.S. What did you get in your mailbox this week?

REVIEW: Celebriteens In the Spotlight by Joanna Philbin

2012-02-01T17:00:00.000Z

Name: Celebriteens In the Spotlight

Author: Joanna Philbin

Publisher: Scholastic

Date published: 2nd June 2011

Number of pages: 273

Source: Chicklish

Rating: 4.5 stars

They didn't ask for fame. They were born with it. Lizzie Summers is used to living in her supermodel mother's shadow. But after a photographer spots Lizzie's unique look, she becomes the 'It girl' of New York's fashion scene. But is fame all it's cracked up to be?

The book centres around Lizzie who is the daughter of world-famous supermodel Katia. All her life, she has tried to avoid the camera and stay away from the paparazzi. But, at a fashion event, she says something bad about her mother and it soon gets loads of hits on the Internet. However, she gets noticed by laid-back photographer, Andrea, who is convinced that she is the 'New Pretty.' Soon, she becomes extremely popular and causes a stir in New York. The book goes on to chart her experiences with fame and how she comes to realise the things she never noticed before.

I couldn't wait to start this book when I first received it because it sounded a bit like Gossip Girl and 90210 and it's nice to read a book about rich teenage girls and their scandalous lives once in a while. The first thing I realised was that the characters in Celebriteens at fourteen years old are a few years younger than the likes of Blair, Serena, Naomi and Annie etc. But that didn't make the book any less enjoyable - in fact it was even better because I could relate to them more easily. Despite the fact that Lizzie has rich and famous parents, I really warmed to her and was able to empathise with her. She is portrayed like any other girl: struggling with growing up, arguing with parents and juggling boys and school. She is a likeable character with a nice personality, as are her best friends Carina and Hudson who are very supportive of her and understand what she goes through. Another major character in the novel is Todd, Lizzie's sweet, childhood friend, freshly returned from London. Their relationship really frustrated me, there were too many guessing games: does he... does she...? But it was one of the subplots that kept me turning the pages!

I really enjoyed Celebriteens and thought it was a fabulous book. It was quite predictable so there was no sitting-on-the-edge-of-the-seat reading but don't expect it to be a smooth ride - there are a few bumps and slips on the way! However, if you want something more jaw-droppingly scandalous, this may not be for you. I must admit that it kind of gets off to a slow start but it does get better and after that it is a worthwhile read. Near the end of the book, there is a beautiful, romantic scene that made my heart leap and put a broad smile on my face. The story ends on a cliffhanger so I am anticipating the next book in the series. Joanna Philbin must be applauded for a wonderfully written debut novel; it gives you a sneak peek into the world of the famous and reveals things you would never have known. Overall, a funny, heart-warming novel that I think many girls will love! It deserves 4.5 stars.

Katie Dale Blog Tour on Saturday!

2012-01-30T21:54:00.000Z

Just to let you all know that Katie Dale will be stopping off for an interview on 4th February as part of her blog tour for her debut novel, Someone Else's Life. Due to Blogger being annoying, I can't seem to put up the blog tour banner on my sidebar so I thought I would write a little post to let you all know! So hope you'll stop by on Saturday!

Beverley x

What Book Should I Read Next?

2012-01-28T15:04:00.002Z

Chinese New Year usually means money in little red envelopes from friends and family! I've realised that I haven't bought any books to read recently so I'd like to spend some of the money I received on a book. But I CAN'T decide which one to buy, can you help me out? I've compiled a 'shortlist' and I would really appreciate it if you could tell me your thoughts!

The Future of Us by Jay Asher and Carolyn Mackler: This sounds like a great book, I've read many good reviews of it. It seems like an interesting book because it's set in the year I was born and it would be cool to find out what teenagers were like then!

Kiss Date Love Hate by Luisa Plaja: This looks like such a cute little book but it comes out in February. Do you think it will be worth the wait?

Marshmallow Skye by Cathy Cassidy: I've read the first book in the series, Cherry Crush and it was fabulous! And I've wanted to read this for a long time but is it chocolate-sweet or bitter like dark chocolate?

Torn by Cat Clarke: Looks like a fab book full of secrets and mystery, definitely interesting judging by the glowing reviews I've read!

Virtuosity by Jessica Martinez: I love how this revolves around a teenage girl who plays the violin. As I'm pretty musical myself I'd love to read this: boys, music, what else could you wish for?

Please leave your comments below, I really appreciate your help!

Beverley x

REVIEW: Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale

2012-01-18T20:54:00.000Z

Name: Someone Else's Life

Author: Katie Dale

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Date published: 2nd February 2012

Number of pages: 485

Source: Chicklish
Rating: 5 stars

When Rosie Kenning’s mother, Trudie, dies from Huntington’s disease, her whole world falls apart. Not only does Rosie desperately miss her mum, but now she has to face the fact that she could have inherited the fatal illness herself. Until she discovers that Trudie wasn’t her biological mother at all... Rosie is stunned. Can this be true? Is she grieving for a mother who wasn’t even hers to lose? And if Trudie wasn’t her mother, who is? But as Rosie delves into her past to discover who she really is, she is faced with a heart-breaking dilemma – to continue living a lie, or to reveal a truth that will shatter the lives of everyone around her...

Someone Else’s Life revolves around Rosie, a girl who has to deal with the pain of realization that the mother she had loved for seventeen years was not actually her birth mum. Desperate to find her real mother, she tags along with her boyfriend Andy to the United States as he embarks on his gap year. While she discovers shocking secrets that break her heart, she stands strong and perseveres with what she believes.

When I was told that this book is like Jodi Picoult for teenagers, I jumped at the chance to read it, being a fan of Jodi Picoult and her skilfully written, realistic books. Reading the synopsis made me even sure that this was my type of book. As soon as I started to read it, I was engrossed, pulled in by all the different emotions and feelings of the characters. Although most of the book is told from Rosie’s perspective, all the other characters are developed brilliantly and their personalities shine through. I loved Rosie and her fresh, honest account of how she handled all the secrets, lies and truths. She is a character that you can easily warm to and I really did empathise with her throughout the book; I could feel her grief, her joy and everything in between. The emotions seem to jump off the page and penetrate your heart and that is the one of the things that makes this such a fascinating read.

Another praiseworthy feature is its predictability or should I say unpredictability. An anonymous character contributes to the narration of this story and this person is revealed in Part Two of the book, so no peeking! I honestly thought that I knew who this person was but it turns out I was wrong, adding to the unpredictable element of the story. When you think you’ve got it all sussed, Katie tweaks the story and surprises you with the unexpected.

It hits all the right notes: it has action, romance and adventure all mixed into reality. Right now there are too many books that don’t have a deeper meaning but Someone Else’s Life has taught me to ‘make the most of the time we’ve got, seize the day, treasure every moment with the people we love’ (quoted from p475). This message is entwined throughout the book and reminds us that we should live life to the full, no matter what. It is utterly flawless and is perfection in the form of a book; it has everything you could wish for in a book and had me hooked from page one (I had to sneak off to the library at lunch so that I could continue reading it!). Overall it is a warm, poignant novel with a unique story-line that is sure to touch your heart and stay in its treasured place on your bookshelf for years to come. It deserves all of its 5 stars and I would recommend it to teenagers who aren’t just ready for Jodi Picoult books and young adults who enjoy reading real-life stories. I hope Katie Dale continues to write more amazing novels for us to read!!!

Click HERE to pre-order it, or buy it as soon as it hits the shops!

Thanks must go to Luisa at Chicklish for sending me this utterly amazing book!

Happy Reading,

Beverley x

In My Mailbox #2

2012-01-13T19:24:00.002Z

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme created by Kristi at The Story Siren. It's the place for me to talk about the fabulous books I have received each week.

Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale

I was told that Someone Else's Life is like Jodi Picoult for teens so because I'm a great fan of Picoult, I jumped at the chance to read this book. I have nearly finished reading it so look out for the review which will be up soon. It's not officially out until February so huge thanks must go to Luisa for giving me this heartbreaking, inspiring novel to read and review for Chicklish!

Celebriteens: In the Spotlight by Joanna Philbin

I'm quite excited to read this actually. After discovering the wonderful TV series Gossip Girl, this is the perfect book to read to find out more about the lives of the daughters of famous stars and Joanna Philbin will know what she's talking about because she is the daughter of a television host! I can't wait to read this! (For Chicklish review, thank you Luisa!)

Wuthering Hearts by Kay Woodward

This looks like a cute, light read. Even though it's targeted at a younger age group, I have read many reviews praising it and saying how older teenage readers (like me!) will enjoy it too. Look out for the review in February!

Brave New Girl by Catherine Johnson

Again, this is a book for younger readers but it looks like a good, quick read to lighten up my day and it comes without the pressure that I need to get through a 400-page book as quickly as possible to write a review!

Kiss Date Love Hate postcard

Check out this fab postcard that came with the package! Isn't it so cute?! I can't wait for this book by Luisa Plaja to come out: I have a feeling it will be just as cute and wonderful as its cover!

Thanks again must go to Luisa for sending me these books! I promise I won't let you down! Everytime I know that a package is coming for ME from Chicklish, I get up early and wait for the postie to deliver my goodies because I cannot wait to start another amazing book!

REVIEW: No Ordinary Love Song by Alison Prince

2012-01-10T20:00:00.005Z

Cal hates: What humans are doing to the planet - and his dad, most of the time. Cal likes: Music - and Kerry from Australia, who's so beautiful it hurts. But when liking turns to love, everything changes...

No Ordinary Love Song revolves around sixteen-year-old Callum McCasky and how he experiences first love in the summer with a girl who has just arrived with her family on the Scottish island where he lives. It is like a breath of fresh air for him: away from his eccentric family and time for him to forget that humans are destroying the earth. But life at home and family troubles are the least of his worries when Kerry tells him that she is pregnant...

Callum struggles through school and his parents and teachers pester him to make more of an effort so that he can go to university even though he enjoys and wants to pursue music. Life at home isn't any better for him and I felt very sorry for him when both his parents, embarrassingly, started affairs. At the start of the book he does not have a good relationship with his parents - especially his father, who is portrayed as the alpha-male - but over the course of events the family become much closer and begin to realise what they had missed before. Callum also matures as a person, from an orange-haired sixteen-year-old boy to a young adult who takes responsibility for his actions.

At first, I didn't really enjoy this book but I must admit that it gets better towards the middle. It was interesting to read a love story from a boy's point of view because most books like this would be written from the girl's. I particularly enjoyed reading about the way he dealt with Kerry's pregnancy and how he was so responsible and stuck by her through everything. He was successfully portrayed as a typical moody teenager but his views of the world and human beings were quite complex and mature from the start, which gave the book a unique voice. Some of the book is also written from his mum Elaine's point of view and this certainly adds a more realistic touch to the overall story because she is an 'outsider' to Callum and Kerry's relationship. The tone of the whole story varies from witty to serious and in places I appreciated Prince's unique style of writing. It addresses many different issues like first love, teenage pregnancy, breakdown of families and global warming. I give this 4/5 and would recommend it to those over the age of 13.

Thank you to Luisa for sending me this book to review for Chicklish. To see the review on the Chicklish website click HERE.

Interview with Cathy Cassidy

2012-01-09T11:32:00.002Z

Cathy in Paris researching for new younger book, Daizy Star Ooh La La...

I was over the moon when Cathy Cassidy agreed to do an interview for A Reading Daydreamer! She has written many best-selling books that are popular among girls around the world and I am sure that you have read at least one of her fabulous books. She founded the My Best Friend Rocks Award (of which I was a finalist in 2008!), giving us a chance to nominate our wonderful best friends and highlighting just how important friendship is. Let me hand over to Cathy (Queen of Teen 2010), who answers questions about writing, daydreaming and more…

Welcome to A Reading Daydreamer. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hello, all you daydreamers! I'm Cathy Cassidy and I write books for young teens and pre-teens... and I'm a daydreaming addict!

When did you decide that you wanted to become an author?

I've wanted to be writer since I was very small... it seemed the most logical thing to do with a head full of stories!

What did you work as before you became an author?

Lots of things! I studied to be an illustrator, then worked as a magazine journalist on the legendary Jackie magazine. I've worked as an art teacher, a magazine agony aunt, an illustrator and a freelance journalist, as well as stints as a waitress and petrol pump attendant!

What was your reaction when you found out that Dizzy was going to be published and what challenges did you overcome to see your writing in print?

It felt like the best thing ever, a dream coming true after many, many years. The biggest challenge to getting published was learning to write a book length story - it takes some discipline! I'd trained myself to write short stories but getting a whole novel written was a big challenge to me.

Which of your books was the most fun to write and why?

Probably Dizzy, the first - no deadlines, no worries about whether my publisher or readers would like it, just the excitement of knowing I had finally pushed past chapter two or three and was actually writing a book!

Which character out of all of your books do you think you are most alike?

I've been told that Miss Quinn, the art teacher in Driftwood, is a thinkly disguised version of me...

What gives you inspiration for your books?

Everything - things I see, hear, dream, remember, imagine. Inspiration is all around. Once an idea takes hold, I daydream about it - and if I am lucky a story unfolds.

Summer’s Dream, the third book in The Chocolate Box Girls series, is out in June. Can you tell us a bit about it?

It picks up the story from the point of view of Summer Tanberry, whose dream is to be a dancer. The story opens with a fantastic new opportunity for Summer, one that soon has her pushing herself to the limits. Can she handle the pressure, or will the dream turn into a nightmare?

Are you planning to write a book that’s aimed for older teenagers?

Well, Honey will be 15 or 16 in the final Chocolate Box Girls book, Sweet Honey, which should please my older readers! There are no plans to write older teen books however, apart from that - I wouldn't want to write anything that was 'unsuitable' for my current readers to enjoy!

How does it feel to be such a popular author?

It's awesome... my dream was to be a published author, so to be popular as well is the icing on the cake. I get countless emails and letters from readers who have connected with the stories and loved them, and that means the world to me.

And finally, do you like to read and daydream?

I love reading, and if I am especially busy I sometimes set my alarm an hour earlier so I can squeeze in some reading time! Daydreaming is something I just can't help doing. It's how all my stories start, a delicious creative state halfway between imagination and reality.

Quick-fire Questions:

Dogs or cats: Both, but tending towards dogs at the moment...

Coffee or hot chocolate: Again, both, but a skinny latte is my perfect treat.

Mac or PC: Mac. Always. No contest.

Reading or writing: Both... I couldn't have one without the other!

Early bird or night owl: Early bird.

Sam or Shay: Hmmm. So hard to choose! I'd probably pick Sam, but I have a soft spot for all of my boy heroes...

Book or e-book: Book. I don't have an i-pad or kindle yet, although I wouldn't rule it out... but cannot imagine anything taking the place of a fabulous book.

Thank you very much Cathy for taking time to answer all my questions; it has been a pleasure interviewing you!

Please visit Cathy's website: http://www.cathycassidy.com/ or click HERE to like Cathy's Facebook fanpage.

Love, peace and chocolate,

Beverley x

Coming Up...

2012-01-08T16:21:00.001Z

I thought I'd do a little post on what I have in store for the coming month or two.

Reviews:

No Ordinary Love Song by Alison Prince
Someone Else's Life by Katie Dale

Celebriteens: In the Spotlight by Joanna Philbin

Wuthering Hearts by Kay Woodward

Brave New Girl by Catherine Johnson

(Thanks must go to the lovely Luisa at Chicklish for sending me these!)

Interviews:

I have invited a popular author to do an interview for A Reading Daydreamer... Keep an eye on the blog if you don't want to miss it!

Discussions:

I've seen a lot of discussions on other book blogs so I hope to write my own one: Book versus E-book.

I hope you'll keep reading the blog and have fun at school when it starts!

Happy Days!

2012-01-06T19:26:00.001Z

Just a short post to say that I am really happy that I already have 6 followers and since the 4th of January, I have had a total of 340 pageviews! Maybe I'm getting chuffed over nothing but I am VERY HAPPY with the progress A Reading Daydreamer has made!!! So thank you to those of you who are following and who have left such lovely comments on my posts. I promise I will post more reviews and other book-related things! Tempted to follow? Haha! Hope you all have a great weekend xx

In My Mailbox #1

2012-01-05T12:27:00.001Z

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi at The Story Siren. I know the blog isn't completely up and running but I couldn't resist putting up my own IMM after so many months of looking at other bloggers'. So here is my FIRST ever IMM:

Getting into Veterinary School: This was a Christmas present from my parents. If you've read the 'About' page, you'll know that I want to be a vet when I am older.

P.S. I Love You by Cecilia Ahern : A novel about holding on, letting go, and learning to love again. Holly couldn't live without her husband Gerry, until the day she had to. They were the kind of young couple who could finish each other's sentences. When Gerry succumbs to a terminal illness and dies, 30-year-old Holly is set adrift, unable to pick up the pieces. But with the help of a series of letters her husband left her before he died and a little nudging from an eccentric assortment of family and friends, she learns to laugh, overcome her fears, and discover a world she never knew existed. The kind of enchanting novel with cross-generational appeal that comes along once in a great while, PS, I Love You is a captivating love letter to the world!

I bought this a while back but I thought it deserves a mention!

Bumped by Megan McCafferty: When a virus makes everyone over the age of eighteen infertile, would-be parents pay teen girls to conceive and give birth to their children, making teens the most prized members of society. Girls sport fake baby bumps and the school cafeteria stocks folic-acid-infused food. Read the full synopsis HERE.
This was a Christmas pressie from my friend.

Shug by Jenny Han: Annemarie Wilcox, or Shug as her family calls her, is beginning to think there's nothing worse than being twelve. She's too tall, too freckled, and way too flat-chested. Shug is sure that there's not one good or amazing thing about her. And now she has to start junior high, where the friends she counts most dear aren't acting so dear anymore -- especially Mark, the boy she's known her whole life through. Life is growing up all around her, and all Shug wants is for things to be like they used to be. How is a person supposed to prepare for what happens tomorrow when there's just no figuring out today?

Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella: Becky Bloomwood has what most twenty-five-year-olds only dream of: a flat in London's trendiest neighborhood, a troupe of glamorous socialite friends, and a closet brimming with the season's must-haves. The only trouble is, she can't actually afford it --- not any of it. Her job writing at Successful Saving magazine not only bores her to tears, it doesn't pay much at all. Still, how can she resist that perfect pair of shoes? Or the divine silk blouse in the window of that ultra-trendy boutique? But lately Becky's been chased by dismal letters from Visa and the Endwich Bank --- letters with large red sums she can't bear to read --- and they're getting ever harder to ignore. She tries cutting back; she even tries making more money. But none of her efforts succeeds. Her only consolation is to buy herself something ... just a little something ... Read the full synopsis HERE

I also got this one a few months ago but it deserves a mention!

Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them?

Bye for now!x

REVIEW: Threads by Sophia Bennett

2012-01-05T10:43:00.001Z

Nonie's passion is fashion. Edie plans to save the world. Jenny has a part in a Hollywood movie. But when the three best friends meet a young refugee girl called Crow, wearing a pair of pink fairy wings and sketching a dress, they get the chance to do something truly wonderful - and make all their dreams come true.

When I first saw this book in my school library about a year ago, I thought it would be another one of those whimsical fairytales where the girls live perfect lives and achieve all their dreams. But how wrong was I! So if you ever got that same first impression as me, FORGET it and read the book! I promise you won't regret it. The book is much more than just a 'fairytale'. It's about making a difference to other peoples' lives and that giving is so much better than receiving.

I have never admired fictional teenagers in a novel as much as Nonie and her best friends Edie and Jenny. They happily take in Crow, a young refugee girl, once they discover her passion for designing and making clothes and encourage her to follow her heart's desires. I love all the charitable things Edie does and wish I had a friend like her. She's the sort of girl who always has something one, from volunteering with special needs children to setting up a website to raise awareness of child soldiers in Uganda. It is amazing that while she is enhancing her CV, she's helping so many others. Jenny is almost the opposite of Edie: she's starring in a movie and is working alongside Joe Yule (definitely one of my fictional crushes!). Her character adds humour to the story and reveals what it's actually like to be working in a Hollywood film. The narrator of Threads is Nonie. I appreciated her wit and sarcasm that's intwined throughout the book. She's the one who isn't particularly good at anything and wants to be a designer. But by the end of the book, she is like a mentor to Crow and she has done so many amazing things like organising a charitable fashion show. I love how she is such a good friend and despite the fact that it is her ambition to be a fashion designer, she still tries her best to help Crow achieve her dream. I want these girls to be my friends!

I also love the references to big fashion names like Dior and Chanel because they make the story feel much more realistic, as if somewhere out there a tween is actually rubbing shoulders with famous designers. The descriptions are also amazing...I can picture in my head every one of Crow's dresses. They sound gorgeous and it makes you wish that Crow would design a dress just for you!

I have been thoroughly impressed by Sophia Bennett, considering that Threads was her debut novel. It's such a captivating, enchanting story full of fashion and dreams. A well deserved 5 stars!

BTW, after I borrowed it from the library and read it, I went out and bought myself a copy!

REVIEW: The Chocolate Box Girls: Cherry Crush by Cathy Cassidy

2012-01-04T16:56:00.000Z

Cherry Costello's life is about to change forever. She and Dad are moving to Somerset where a new mum and a bunch of brand-new sisters await. And on Cherry's first day there she meets Shay Fletcher; with suntanned skin and sea-green eyes he's the kind of boy who should carry a government health warning. But Shay already has a girlfriend, Cherry's new stepsister Honey. Cherry knows her friendship with Shay is dangerous - it could destroy everything. But that doesn't mean she's going to stay away from him...

This is the first book in Cathy Cassidy's series The Chocolate Box Girls and revolves around Cherry, a half-Japanese girl who has longed to fit in all her life. In order to fit in, she makes up extraordinary things and her vivid imagination lands her in all sorts of trouble. In Glasgow, she doesn't have any friends and is constantly bullied by Kirsty McRae. It looks like things could get better for her when she moves to a new home. Skye, Summer and Coco Tanberry all welcome her and treat her as if she is their sister but Honey develops a sour hatred for her, especially when she catches Cherry with her boyfriend. The story mainly centres around the 'love triangle' between Cherry, Shay and Honey.

Cherry was a very believable character: I felt her happiness and her vulnerability Everything is described so well and I felt as if I had been thrown in her situation: I could feel her desperation to fit in and the glowing pride she had when she was with Shay.

I liked all the other characters especially Skye because of her quirky, laid-back personality and also Shay because I could almost visualise how gorgeous he was in my head!

I really enjoyed this book and Cathy Cassidy continues to write superbly with her usual charm. She uses her typical writing style: simplistic yet full of feeling and emotion. The plot isn't too complicated but like all Cathy's other books, you learn so much from it. It's a delicious book full of love, friendship, dreams and chocolate! It definitely deserves 5 stars!

REVIEW: Sister, Missing by Sophie McKenzie

2012-01-04T15:18:00.000Z

Sister, Missing by Sophie McKenzie begins two years after the events of Girl, Missing.
After the death of a family member, Lauren's birth mother takes Lauren and her sisters, Shelby and Madison, on holiday so that they can spend more time together. But something terrible happens: one of her sisters goes missing and it all seems startling similar to when Lauren was taken years before. Can Lauren save her sister before it's too late?
When I started Sister, Missing I had slight reservations. I loved reading Girl, Missing and thought it was perfect as a stand-alone book. I was still eager to read the sequel but I did wonder if it would live up to the first book. But as soon as I picked up the book and read the first few pages, I was engrossed and could not put it down. It seemed like I was in the adventure and action along with the characters. It is very fast-paced and action-packed, it doesn't slow down! I honestly cannot find a page where there is no action. The storyline twists and turns where you least expect it and is a rollercoaster of thrilling writing. At times, when the book slows down, for example the conversation between Lauren and Shelby, a poignant profound atmosphere is created and works nicely as the two sisters come to terms about their dislike for each other. The ending is something I didn't expect and I did wonder why Sophie McKenzie decided to end it like that but once I left the book for a few days, I understood why she did.
Sophie McKenzie is successful in creating believable characters. Although the book revolves around saving the missing sister, it continues subtly the theme of identity and Who Am I? that appeared in Girl, Missing. It charts the development of Lauren as the main character and how she matures as time goes on. She begins to realise that she herself is not perfect and that no one is and she confronts this strongly. All the characters are thoroughly likeable. I fell in love with Jam who continues to love and support his girlfriend, and the innocence of Madison was portrayed perfectly.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading Sister, Missing and won't hesitate to read any other books written by Sophie McKenzie. 5/5!!!!

Thank you Luisa at Chicklish for giving me this book to read and review!

Welcome!

2012-01-04T15:14:00.000Z

Hi! Welcome to A Reading Daydreamer! This is my first post and I would just like to say how excited I am to be starting my own book blog! I have been inspired by so many wonderful blogs and I hope that you enjoy browsing around. My aim is to share my passion for reading and encourage others to take it up. I always find myself reading an amazing book and I just want to tell everyone how good it is so I think that ARD is the place for me to shout out! I have named the blog 'A Reading Daydreamer' because I love to read and I'm always daydreaming when there's nothing to do. Obviously I don't do both together!

You can click on the About tab above to find out more about me!

Happy Reading!